Merhi accepting of Manor Marussia situation

Roberto Merhi thanked Manor Marussia for his opportunity to race in Formula 1, following the news that Alexander Rossi will replace him for five of the remaining seven races in 2015.

Rossi will make his Formula 1 debut this weekend in Singapore though will step back to complete his GP2 season, meaning that Merhi will return to the seat in Russia and Abu Dhabi.

"At the beginning of the year they gave me a great chance to be part of the team and be a driver, I didn’t know how long it would be and at least I did 12 races, really good I think, and they gave me a good chance to be in the car and I want to say thank you," he said.

"They have taken a decision which is better for the team in the long-term, we hope it’s still competitive for the last two races I have and I will prepare with the team and learn as much as I can to be ready for the race in Sochi and Abu Dhabi."

Merhi says he has yet to decide on his 2016 plans but accepts that his lack of a budget is a drawback.

"I came here, flew Monday, when I arrived the team gave me the news that I wasn’t driving and Rossi would be in my place for five races, for next season we don’t know yet, for sure we are looking for a Formula 1 seat and we will try and find the best option possible, but at this stage [what's] important is the budget and it’s hard to find it," he concluded.